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Electric indoor smokeless grills are a great way to cook food without all of the smoke and mess that comes with traditional grilling. Not only are they easy to use, but they come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit your needs. Using smokeless indoor grills allows you to enjoy barbeque season any day of the year regardless of the weather conditions outside.
Unfortunately, not all smokeless indoor grills are of the same craftsmanship and usability and there are a lot of options on the market which can making choosing the best indoor smokeless grills a bit of a challenge. Luckily, we tested out several of the most popular indoor grills and can help.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the best electric indoor grills on the market.
What Is an Indoor Smokeless Grill?
Before we get started on our list of the best indoor smokeless grills, it is important to cover a bit of background information. An indoor smokeless grill is a type of electric grill that does not produce any smoke or fire. This is ideal for people who want to grill indoors without making a mess or dealing with the smoke and heat associated with traditional grilling.
How Do Indoor Smokeless Grills Work?
Indoor smokeless grills work by heating up a metal plate that then cooks the food. This is different than traditional grilling which uses an open flame to cook the food. While some people may miss the smoky flavor that comes with traditional grilling, most people agree that the taste and texture of food cooked on an electric indoor grill is very similar.
What to Look for in an Indoor Smokeless Grill
When looking for the best indoor smokeless grill, there are a few things you should keep in mind. You can find complete details of each factor in our article What to Look for In An Indoor Smokeless Grill.
Budget
Size of the Indoor Smokeless Grill
Power
Heat Settings of the Smokeless Indoor Grill
Heat Distribution
Ease of Use
Grill Plates of the Smokeless Indoor Grill
Smoke Level
Filter
Cleanup
Warranty
The Best Indoor Smokeless Grills on the Market
Now that you know what to look for, let’s take a look at some of the best indoor smokeless grills on the market.
Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Smokeless Grill – Top Pick
Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fryer
Top Pick - Best Indoor Smokeless Grill
Ninja is our first choice for a smokeless indoor barbecue grill, and it’s also our overall favorite.
There are few smokeless grills as versatile as this. The following features are included:
Preheat the grill to bake, roast, or broil. In addition it offers a Dehydrate and Air Crisp mode.
This is a very easy-to-use grill, with a variety of pre-programmed settings that can be accessed by pressing a button. There are nine different levels of doneness for your meat, and you may also select from four pre-programmed levels for proteins.
This XL grill’s large capacity allows you to feed your entire family as well as a few more guests. It’s possible to cook half the amount of food that you can in the original Foodi.
Smoke is kept out of the kitchen by a cool air zone and splatter shield on the grill plate of this appliance.
In order to keep your food crispy and golden on the surface and juicy and soft inside, the clever heating system circulated warm air at a temperature of 500°F throughout the cooking chamber.
Looking for other unique grilling ideas, learn all about the Best Cold Smokers
In our test as a grill, the Ninja Foodi delivered excellent results. Our crew was able to achieve perfect grill marks on all of the recipes they tried thanks to the grill’s adjustable temperature settings. When cooking delicate things like fish or steaks, having the choice to cook at a lower temperature or a higher one (around 500) is useful.
The only drawback we found with the Ninja Foodi was it is not the easiest to clean. All of the different parts make it a bit more challenging to put back together than some of the other models on this list.
One of the greatest indoor smokeless grills you’ll find allows you to cook a wide variety of dishes utilizing a variety of methods. You won’t be disappointed if you give it a go.
George Foreman Electric Grill – Best Indoor / Outdoor Smokeless Grill
George Foreman, Indoor / Outdoor Electric Grill
Best Indoor / Outdoor Smokeless Grill
The George Foreman 15-serving Indoor / Outdoor Electric Grill features a durable, 360-degree rotating platform for easy cooking, an adjustable temperature control knob for precise temperature control, and a removable, dishwasher safe removable grill plate for quick and easy cleanup.
It comes with a grill lid to protect your food from moisture, insects, and other pests while using as an outdoor grill. The Foreman has a built-in storage shelf that can store up to 12 pounds of food at a time. With the George Foreman 15-serving Indoor / Outdoor Electric Grill, you’ll be able to cook your favorite meals for friends and family without leaving home.
As far as use, the grill provided a consistent temperature across the grill plate and cooked a variety of meats perfectly with nice grill marks.
Grills bearing the name George Foreman were first introduced to the public in 1994, and since then, they’ve found their way into countless households around the world.
This traditional grill can be picked up with or without a cover. Because you’re likely grilling inside if you’re reading this, we’ve omitted the cover from this version.
The retractable platform allows you to grill outside without feeling constrained, and then transition to cooking on the countertop with perfect simplicity..
For 12 to 15 servings, the cooking surface area of 240 square inches is ideal.
Make sure you’re comfortable with electric cooking before you begin. When compared to charcoal cooking, you will not have to deal with any of the smoke or inconvenience.
One of the many reasons the Foreman has sold over 100 million of these grills their tried-and-true non-stick cooking surface. One of the easiest grills to clean-up that we tested and provided a perfect temperature every time.
Cuisinart 5-in-1 Griddler – Best Budget Indoor Smokeless Grill
Best Budget Indoor Smokeless Grill
Cuisinart’s 5-in-1 Griddler is the perfect kitchen gadget for a busy mom or dad. It can be used as a grill, griddle, panini press, and full-size grill at once. This griddler includes a 11-inch x 9-inch removable plate that acts as a grill, griddle, and panini press, so you can cook a variety of foods, from breakfast to dinner.
The removable plates are nonstick and feature a drip-tray design, which helps collect grease in a water tray for easy clean-up. The panini plates are reversible, so they can be used for both sides. The nonstick surface also makes cleanup easy.
You can grill, griddle, or panini the food using this griddler, depending on what you want to make. The handle is sturdy and panini-style with a hinged floating cover. It adjusts to the thickness of the food so you don’t have to worry about burning the food. You can choose between a grill or griddle function with the selector knob.
The adjustable temperature controls for grill or griddle help you to easily control the temperature and speed of your cooking. This Cuisinart griddler has an integrated drip-tray design that collects grease and is easy to store. This versatile kitchen gadget is perfect for everyday use in your kitchen. It is a great addition to any home.
Cleanup was a breeze when burnt-on cheese dripped down the grates during testing. You can either hand wash or put the plates in the dishwasher to clean them. A drip tray that is both removable and easy to clean is used to drain grease from the grill while it is in use. In reality, the tray is buried, which enhances the aesthetics.
The main drawback we found with this indoor smokeless grill was the plastic buttons that hold the grill plates concerned us on the long-term durability.
If you want to increase your budget a bit, Cuisinart has an Elite version of this appliance that features heating elements inside the plates that offer more efficient heating, the ability to control the temperature of the grill plates independently, and a top melt function for those who want to splurge and don’t mind taking up a little more kitchen space (good for open-faced sandwiches).
Power XL Smokeless Electric Indoor Grill – Best Indoor Smokeless Grill with Lid
Power XL Smokeless Electric Indoor Removable Grill and Griddle
Best Indoor Smokeless Grill with Lid
This grill boasts an affordable price tag, a tight-sealing lid, and a powerful fan that traps smoke before it escapes. While you might not use the lid for grilling steaks, it is definitely desirable when you’re trying to melt cheese on a burger or keep food warm after it’s been cooked.
The well-designed water tray eliminates any dangerous flare-ups while taking in any smoke odor. This way, your food will stay moist and juicy while it cooks. This grill includes both a grill plate and griddle plate, so you can use it for sear marks on your steak or for a crispy fried egg in the morning. Both of these plates are nonstick ceramic coated, making them just as easy to use as they are to clean.
Indoor Grilling Surface is big enough (13.75” x 8”) for your BBQ party; grill three entire racks of ribs, eight large burgers, or grill your protein and vegetables together for an entire meal all at one time – in any weather! You can even grill an entire chicken “spatchcock” style.
The Oil Drip Tray sits below, catching fat and grease from cooking. You get mouthwatering grilled meals for your entire family all in one portable, easy-to-clean unit.
The Cerami-Tech Grill Plate is dishwasher safe and lifts out easily for effortless cleaning & easy storage. Just pop it in the dishwasher and you’re all set. You’ll never get stuck cleaning for hours in the kitchen after dinner.
LED Smart Temperature Control Up to 450° custom heat control; get the correct temperature you need for the perfect amount of doneness you want. Rapid, even heating from edge to edge keeps foods tender without overcooking.
Char-grill steaks on high to lock-in the juices or slow grill pizza crust, veggies, or grilled cheese to a golden-crisp. You can even grill straight from frozen.
The Turbo Extraction Fan Enjoy smokeless grilling indoors! Virtually all smoke is captured so you can transform your kitchen countertop or indoor cooking space into an open grill station. No more firing up your barbecue grill or scraping and scrubbing after. Grill indoors & enjoy your favorite porterhouse for dinner any day.
A few drawbacks on the PowerXL. The plates did not provide perfect cooking temperature across the entire surface resulting in somewhat uneven cooking. With the PowerXL Smokeless Indoor Grill, there is a lot to clean after you cook. The plates are pretty heavy but are dishwasher safe. In addition, a timer built into the grill would have been a nice addition.
Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill – Best for Large Groups
Best for Large Groups
Do you have to cook for a huge group of people? To ensure that everything cooks at the same time, you’ll need a grill large enough to accommodate the entire meal. With a cooking surface area of up to 120 square inches, this indoor grill can easily accommodate meals for up to six people.
In addition, who wants to deal with cleaning up after a party? The hood, plate, and extra-large drip tray of the indoor grill may all be removed and cleaned in the dishwasher. All year round, you may use this grill to cook hot food indoors at 450 degrees Fahrenheit. The grill’s power and preheating lights remove any ambiguity about when it’s ready to use.
In use, the Super Non-Stick Cerami-Tech Coating means you don’t have to add any extra fat or oil. Even when we tried grilling fish it did not stick to the surface. The Oil Drip Tray sits below, catching fat and grease from cooking. You get mouthwatering grilled meals for your entire family all in one portable, easy-to-clean unit.
Speaking of the grill plate, it is removable and is dishwasher safe. It lifts out easily for effortless cleaning & easy storage. Just pop it in the dishwasher and you’re all set. You’ll never get stuck cleaning for hours in the kitchen after dinner.
The Hamilton Beach LED Smart Temperature Control up to to a maximum temperature of 450° custom heat control; get the correct temperature you need for the perfect amount of doneness you want. Rapid, even heating from edge to edge keeps foods tender without overcooking.
Wondering what to cook, see our list of the Best Meats to Smoke
Even though this model from Hamilton Beach takes up a lot of valuable kitchen space, we found it to be a joy to use. I was pleased with the grill markings on the burgers, and the lid did a good job of keeping out smoke and heat. I also liked how simple it was to get everything set up right out of the box and clean up afterwards.
Coklai Infrared Indoor Smokeless Electric Grill – Best Startup Time
Coklai Infrared Indoor Smokeless Electric Grill
Best Startup Time
The Coklai is taking the place of the Philips Smoke-Less Infrared Grill on our list this year as the best infrared electric grill for.
The Coklai Infrared Indoor Smokeless Electric Grill is a great tool for cooking delicious food indoors, which is not only healthy, but also safe to use. It can make a significant effect on the block of smoke emission, so you can enjoy searing the food indoors without the worry of harmful smoke emissions, and triggering the smoke alarm. The grill can be cleaned easily. It is easy to operate and clean, and has a simple design.
We found cleanup to be a breeze with all the parts being removable and dishwasher safe. The cooking surface is also non-stick, so there was no sticking or messes to clean up. The grill heated up quickly and maintained a consistent temperature, making it easy to cook evenly.
The consistency of the infrared technology heat was spot on throughout the cooking cycle when testing. It took right at 5 minutes to heat to 450 degrees during our test due to the 1600 watt high power grill.
The downside of this grill is that it doesn’t have a timer, so you’ll need to keep an eye on your food. But overall, we were very pleased with the Coklai Infrared Indoor Smokeless Electric Grill and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an easy-to-use and safe indoor grill.
Best Startup Time - Runner-up
Gotham Steel Indoor Smokeless Grill Electric Grill – Best for Beginners
Best for Electric Smokeless Grill for Beginners
Looking to get started with an indoor grill that is easy to use and beginner friendly. The budget friendly Gotham Steel Indoor Smokeless Grill Electric Grill may be exactly what you are looking for.
Everything went as planned when testing. Grilled fish, chicken, and turkey burgers are were all cooked great and delicious. All of the meats are extremely lean, with very little fat remaining. Grill markings and meat seals are excellently done.
The Gotham Steel portable electric grill pulls apart for easy cleanup and storage. The removable grease catcher is made from ceramic, which prevents residue from burning, greatly reducing smoking.
This portable electric grill has a user-friendly temperature dial with 4 settings – warm, low, medium, and high heat. This grill is perfect for camping, tailgating, and picnics. It is ideal for anyone who loves to cook outdoors.
A few drawbacks. You will want to run a few heat cycles before using. Smoke and new-use scents are detectable in the air during initial use. Turning the meal over led me to discover this. Grill should not be pushed onto the cradle. The cradle’s corner will melt if it is placed on the hot grill the wrong way. As a result, the burned plastic emits an unpleasant odor.
George Foreman Open Grate Smokeless Grill – Best Small Indoor Smokeless Grill
Best Small Indoor Smokeless Grill
The George Foreman Open Grate Smokeless Grill is a perfect grill for those looking to grill up some food for 1 to 2 people. It is a small, lightweight grill that can be easily transported and set up.
This George Foreman grill is designed to be an affordable, quality grilling option. It features an adjustable temperature control and a removable temperature probe. It also has a large cooking surface for easy cooking and cleanup. It’s easy to clean and comes with a 2 year warranty.
The George Foreman Open Grate Smokeless Grill was able to evenly cook our food without any uneven areas on the grill plate. The grill heated quickly and was easy to use. Using the George Foreman grill, we were able to achieve beautiful grill marks and sear our salmon, burgers, poultry, and vegetables. The nonstick surface of the grill made cleanup a pleasure. The low profile of this grill was also a plus point for our experts. It doesn’t take up a lot of room in a cupboard or pantry.
The only drawback we found in this easy to use indoor smokeless grill was the small cooking size if needed for larger parties and the fact it does not have a timer.
T-fal OptiGrill XL Smokeless Indoor Grill – Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
The T-Fal Optigrill XL is one we wanted to include on our list even though it did not rank at the top of any of our categories. We felt it is still worth taking a look at as it is kind of a jack of all trades and master of none type of grill.
The T-fal OptiGrill XL is a powerful (1800 watts), smokeless electric grill with a huge 800 cm cooking area that can be used indoors or outdoors.
The T-fal OptiGrill XL is easy to use, and it has an LED display on the control panel that shows the current setting and cooking time. The grill is designed with a handle so you can easily move it from one place to another. The grill is also very easy to clean. The grill is made from die cast aluminum, which makes it durable.
You can use the grill for both frozen and fresh food, but the frozen mode is recommended for frozen food. To cook frozen food, just switch to the frozen mode, and you will be ready to go in no time. There are 9 pre-programmed settings to choose from, including burgers, chicken, sausage, pork, fish, shellfish, bacon and even a “dessert” setting.
The grill features Auto sensor cooking in that the grill is able to detect the doneness of the food being cooked inside. In theory this is a great idea but we found more often than not, it did not provide accurate results.
Luckily, a manual mode is also available for those who prefer a more hands-on approach to their cooking. In this mode, we were able to grill and sear foods with great accuracy.
The T-fal OptiGrill XL is a great indoor smokeless grill for those who want the option to cook both frozen and fresh food. The grill offers a variety of pre-programmed settings, as well as a manual mode, so you can cook your food just the way you like it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several things to consider when purchasing an indoor electric smokeless grill but our list should get you started on the right track. When it comes to grilling, there’s nothing quite like the smoky flavor and aroma of food cooked over a charcoal grill or an open flame. However, for some people, cooking outdoors isn’t always an option. Maybe you live in an apartment and don’t have access to a backyard, or maybe you’re just not the grilling type. If that’s the case, a smokeless indoor grill may be right for you.
indoor electric smokeless grill has become a popular choice for people who want to enjoy the taste of grilled food without all the hassle.
Do you have a favorite smokeless indoor grill that you use? Let us know in the comments below.
FAQs About Indoor Smokeless Grills
Below are some of the most common questions people have about smokeless indoor grills.
Is an electric indoor grill truly smokeless?
The answer is no, most will still produce a tiny quantity of smoke. Grilling at high temperatures, especially when cooking oily items or fatty meats, is nearly certain to result in this. In order to avoid smoky food, the best indoor smokeless grill will effectively remove excess fat and grease from the cooking surface.
Is it safe to use my electric grill indoors?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the particular grill you are using. However, most electric grills are safe to use indoors as long as they have a UL or ETL safety rating. Always consult the user manual of your grill for specific safety instructions.
Why is my smokeless indoor grill smoking?
The most prevalent cause of this is a failure to thoroughly clean up after each use. As the food debris begins to burn, the first heating can produce smoke. Setting the grill to a high temperature might also result in a small amount of smoky flavor.
How to cook steak on indoor smokeless grill?
If you want to cook a steak on an indoor smokeless grill, we recommend using the manual mode and cooking it over direct heat. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, then place the steak on the cooking surface. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the steak reaches the desired level of doneness. Let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving.
Can I use my electric grill to cook chicken?
Yes, you can use your electric grill to cook chicken. In fact, chicken is one of the most common items people grill with an indoor smokeless grill. To cook chicken on an electric grill, we recommend using the indirect heat method. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, then place the chicken on the cooking surface. Grill for 10-12 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches the desired level of doneness. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Can I use an indoor smokeless grill to cook bacon?
Yes, an indoor smokeless grill is a great option for cooking bacon. The grill will cook the bacon evenly without producing any smoke, making it a healthier option than cooking bacon in a pan.
How do I clean my electric indoor grill?
Electric indoor grills are typically very easy to clean. Consult the user manual of your grill for specific instructions, but most often all you will need to do is wipe the cooking surface with a damp cloth. Some grills also have removable non-stick plates that can be washed in the dishwasher.
What is the best smokeless indoor grill?
The answer depends on your specific needs. The best smokeless indoor grill for one person might not be the best for another. When choosing an electric indoor grill, consider things like size, power, and features.
Can I use my electric grill outdoors?
Most electric grills are designed for use indoors, but there are a few that can also be used outdoors. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications to make sure the grill you choose is safe for use in outdoor environments.
Is it possible to smoke food on an indoor electric grill?
While it is not possible to produce true smoke-flavored food with an electric grill, many models do include a smoking function that can be used to add a smoky taste to your food.
